Everyone Owned It In The '90s — The Funky Wall Decor We Want Back In Our Homes

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The '90s are having a major cultural comeback as more people are drawn to things that evoke nostalgia. One funky wall decor that's having a moment alongside the revival of other trends from more than three decades ago is quilts on walls. Apparently, aside from keeping beds warm, quilts also served as artwork in the 1990s, as homeowners started hanging and mounting the decorative textile on empty walls. So much so that you could find one in almost every room inside the house, from the living room to the bedroom, and even in children's playroom. And now, these trendy, decades-old home accent pieces are back in the spotlight.

"Wall-hung quilts and tactile textile art are cycling back into modern interiors. Statement fabrics, patchwork and handmade pieces are once again being treated as art, adding warmth, texture and personality to a space," Thayer Orelli, founder of the New York-based interior design studio Thayer Woods Home + Style, told The Spruce. She notes that quilts back then were very artistic and playful with the amalgamation of eclectic fabrics. It doesn't come as a surprise, then, that people in the '90s opted to hang their quilts on the wall instead of more traditional pieces of art. It also makes sense why vintage quilts at thrift stores are worth a lot of money. 

There are many ways to transform an old, thrifted vintage quilt into beautiful home decor for your walls. If you want something temporary, use quilt hangers. These are specifically designed for hanging fabric pieces. You basically screw these clamps onto the wall. Then, you insert the quilt onto the hanger, adjusting the knob above the clamp to ensure there's enough tension to hold the fabric in place. What's good about this method is you can easily swap the textile between seasons. Not sure where to find quilt hangers for your DIY project? Precision Quilting Tools Classy Clamps Wood Hangers are available on Amazon in 4-piece packs.

Another method is sewing sleeves at the back of the quilt for easy hanging. Hand-stitch the sleeve instead of using a sewing machine, so you can ensure the thread won't appear on the front. Insert a rod into the sleeve and attach the rod to the wall using nails or hooks. This is the best technique for large quilts since rods can carry more weight than clamps and provide uninterrupted support to the entire length of the fabric, thereby preventing it from sagging. Meanwhile, for delicate quilts that are prone to damage when left exposed, the best way to show them off is to frame them like a piece of artwork. However, instead of a commercially available frame, it's best to hire a professional framer for a custom-made frame designed to fit and protect your quilt.